CHARGERS: Jackson could be on the move

WR would be eligible sooner if he's traded away

Jackson hasn't played or practiced since January. Should he be
traded, he would be able to practice with his new team after his
personal-conduct suspension concludes following Week 3.

The Chargers are the variable in making a trade happen.
Jackson's contract demands were an impediment, but he's backed off
demands for a long-term deal in excess of the four-year, $46.5
million deal given to Brandon Marshall.

Jackson is amicable to a one-year deal. He came to terms with
the team believed to be the Vikings on a one-year deal worth
roughly $7 million in early September, according to an unidentified
source.

The Chargers didn't like the compensation package and nixed that
deal. Smith does not stand alone in his dealings with Jackson.

"I totally support our general manager and the way he's handled
this situation," Chargers president Dean Spanos said in a recent
interview.

Now all parties are on the clock. If a deal isn't struck by
Wednesday the likelihood of a deal before the Oct. 19 trade
deadline decreases dramatically.

McNeill update

While Jackson has been the subject of trade talks, but not
Marcus McNeill. The restricted free agent is also withholding
services in protest of his contract status, but the left tackle
remains in the Chargers' long-term plans.

McNeill's agent, Alvin Keels, said in an email that "the
Chargers have indicated to me that they are not interested in
trading Marcus McNeill at this time." McNeill hasn't practiced
since last season and could sit out the season. But, in order to
accrue a year of service towards unrestricted free agency, McNeill
could sign a pro-rated $583,000 contract tender and report by week
10.

Injury update

All signs point to outside linebacker Shawne Merriman being
active for Sunday's home opener against Jacksonville Jaguars. He
practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday, but his reps have
increased throughout the past week.

He hasn't had a setback of note and has felt fine following each
workout.

"Expect me to strap it up on Sunday," Shawne Merriman said via
Twitter.

The prospects for inside linebacker Stephen Cooper are more
uncertain. He missed his second straight workout with a knee
problem he played through in the second half of Monday's game at
Kansas City.

"We don't have a crystal ball to say what he'll be able to do
tomorrow or the next day," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "We'll
see how it goes on a day-to-day basis."

Fullback Jacob Hester (foot) and new long snapper James Dearth
(foot) were limited in practice.